House of Commons Journal Volume 1: 09 February 1576

Jovis, nono Februarii, 1575

Eldest son of a Peer to continue a Member.

It is this Day Ordered by this House, upon a Motion, That John Lord Russell, Son and Heir apparent of the Right honourable the Earl of Bedd', being a Burgess for the Borough of Brytporte in the County of Dorset, shall continue a Member of this House, according to the like former Precedent in the like Case had heretofore of the said now Earl his Father.

Member speaking irreverently of the Queen.

This Day Mr. Treasurer, in the Name of all the Committees Yesterday appointed for the Examination of Peter Wentwoorth, Burgess for Tregonye, declared. That all the said Committees did meet Yesterday at Afternoon, at the Star-chamber, according to their Commission; and there examining the said Peter Wentwoorth, touching the violent and wicked Words Yesterday pronounced by him in this House touching the Queen's Majesty, made a Collection of the same Words; which Words, so collected, the said Peter Wentwoorthe did acknowledge and confess : And then did the said Mr. Treasurer read unto the House the said Note of Collection: Which being read, he declared further, that the said Peter Wentwoorth, being examined, what he could say for the Extenuating of his said Fault and Offence, could neither say any Thing at all to that Purpose; neither yet did charge any other Person as Author of his said Speech; but did take all the Burden thereof upon himself. And so the said Mr. Treasurer thereupon moved for his Punishment and Imprisonment in the Tower, as the House should think good, and consider of: Whereupon, after sundry Disputations and Speeches, it was Ordered, upon the Question,That the said Peter Wentwoorth should be committed close Prisoner to the Tower, for his said Offence; there to remain until such Time as this House should have further Consideration of him. And thereupon immediately the said Peter Wentwoorth, being brought to the Bar by the Serjeant, received his said Judgment accordingly, by the Mouth of Mr. Speaker, in Form above recited. And so Mr. Lieutenant of the Tower presently charged with the Custody of the said Peter Wentwoorthe.

Child-stealing.

Mr. Moore, Mr. Norton, Mr. Yelverton, and Mr. Fenner, are appointed to draw a Bill against Stealing away of Mens Children, by Colour of privy Contracts.

Members absent on Embassies, &c.

It is Resolved, by this House, That any Person, being a Member of this House, and being either in Service of Ambassade, either else in Execution, or visited with Sickness, shall not in any wise be amoved from their Place in this House, nor any other to be during such Time of Service, Execution, or Sickness, elected.

Number of Members.

Mr. Seckford Master of the Requests, Sir Nichas. Arnolde, Mr. Atkyns, and Mr. Mershe, to confer touching the Number of Knights and Burgesses of the Parliament.

Fines, &c.

1. The Bill for Reformation of Errors in Fines and common Recoveries. - The first Reading.

Poor.

1. The Bill for setting the Poor on Work, and for Avoiding of Idleness. - The first Reading.

Demesne Lands, &c.

1. The Bill for Assurances of Lands in ancient Demesne, and for Preservation of the Lords Seignories The first Reading.